City College was established in 1984

City College was first established as Draughon’s College of Business, a branch of Draughon’s Junior College of Business founded in 1896 in Paducah, Kentucky.

The College launched its first branch campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Since that time, the institution has grown to five campuses serving thousands of students throughout the State of Florida, with its headquarters located in Fort Lauderdale.

City College’s dramatic growth did not happen overnight, but was shaped and guided by the leadership, vision, and dreams of one family.

C.M. Fike II and his wife, Esther, recognized the need to provide students from diverse backgrounds with practical, hands-on career education to help them achieve their personal and professional goals.

Before taking the helm of City College in 1987, President Fike held a variety of leadership positions in the private career education industry. He believed passionately in the power of education to change lives, communities, and the world. For the next two decades, he would guide the evolution of the budding college into a full-fledged, accredited academic institution.

1980s

Apr. 1984: City College is established as Draughon’s College of Business

Jan. 1987: CareerCom College of Business is acquired, and Career City College is established

May 1988: The Gainesville Campus is established

Sept. 1989: The Fort Lauderdale Campus awards its first Associate of Science Degree

2000s

Oct. 2005: City College’s main campus relocates to Atrium 2000 in Fort Lauderdale

Sept. 2007: President C.M. Fike II passes away, and his legacy and dreams live on through his wife and new President, Esther Fike

July 2009: The College establishes a new logo and vision

Oct. 2009: WCCTV Broadcasting Studio is launched

Apr. 2010: City College acquires an affiliate campus in Casselberry

Jan. 2011: The College launches its first online program

Jun. 2011: The Hollywood Campus opens its doors

Accreditation and Degree Programs

Initially, City College offered four diploma programs. The College was granted approval by the State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities (SBICU) to award the first Associate of Science Degree at the Fort Lauderdale Campus in 1989, and at the Gainesville Campus in fall 1991. Eight years later, the institution was authorized by SBICU to confer Bachelor of Science Degrees.

Today, City College offers Bachelor of Science Degrees, Associate of Science Degrees, and diploma programs. The College continues to expand its academic offerings to meet the changing needs of students and employers.

The College is celebrating over 30 years of excellence, innovation, and growth this year. As always, student success is our top priority.

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City College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, division of Nonpublic Career Education and Independent Colleges and Universities.

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